Bears pick off a victory over Indians

Saturday

LEHIGHTON — For the second straight week, Pleasant Valley's defense stole the show.

LEHIGHTON — For the second straight week, Pleasant Valley's defense stole the show.

The unit that was supposed to be young and have questions looks more like a unit of strength in every way.

The Bears intercepted four passes — one by Nyiem Nevarez for a touchdown — and Pleasant Valley rolled to a 28-6 victory over Lehighton in Mountain Valley Conference football Friday night.

Running back Austyn Borre ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Brandon Leap threw for 78 yards and added 20 more rushing as PV improved to 3-1, 3-0 in the MVC.

"Defensively, you can't be happier with a group of guys that really functioned together," PV coach Jim Terwilliger said. "We created turnovers, and if you hold a team to six points, you'll give yourself a chance in any ballgame."

Pleasant Valley took a 7-0 lead early thanks to a punt return to the Indians' 10 to create a short field. On Borre's first touch, it was 7-0 PV.

Then the Bears got the first big play by Nevarez. The junior intercepted a Lehighton pass at the PV 45, went down the visiting sideline, cut back at the 20 and found the end zone for a 14-0 lead with 11:42 left in the second quarter.

"I just wanted to put some points on the board," Nevarez said of his interception for a touchdown.

Trailing by two touchdowns, Lehighton cut into PV's lead with its only touchdown of the game. But the extra point was blocked and PV led 14-6.

PV's defense turned in another big play in the second quarter. Nick Huerta intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards to the Lehighton 40. The Bears' offense took full advantage.

PV went 40 yards on 10 plays — the final play a 1-yard plunge for a TD by fullback Trent Thomas. The 5-9, 190-pound sophomore bulled his way in with just 4 seconds left in the first half.

"We had in our mind we were going for it," Terwilliger said, never thinking to kick the field goal at that time. "Our guys wanted it. We preach that kind of stuff. There wasn't a second guess. I looked at the play chart, but I always stick with my gut and stick with my guns and my guys wanted it."

At that point momentum was in PV's favor.

"The game never comes down to one or two plays, however, that was a pretty big play," Terwilliger said. "You look at those type of impact plays that have a direct result in the game so we were fortunate to come out with that."

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